Noncompliance with erosion and sedimentation controls halts major development project

By J.W. Johnson Jr.Cranberry Bureau Chief

April 20, 2018Digital Media Exclusive

Middlesex Crossing A Ryan Home housing plan along Route 8 in Middlesex Twp on Thursday April 19, 2018.

JUSTIN GUIDO/BUTLER EAGLE

Middlesex Crossing A Ryan Home housing plan along Route 8 in Middlesex Twp on Thursday April 19, 2018.(Justin Guido photo)

MIDDLESEX TWP — Work has slowed at the Middlesex Crossing development as project leaders addressed conservation compliance issues.

The 93-acre residential and commercial development at the southeastern corner of Routes 8 and 228 is being conducted under a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System construction permit, which aims to ensure the impact on soil erosion. According to Ian Harrell, Butler County Conservation District manager, a recent site visit to inspect the work found compliance issues with those erosion and sedimentation controls, as well as the construction sequence.

Harrell said all projects are required to have a stormwater discharge plan, which clearly identifies the area that will be included in the work in an effort to limit environmental disturbances outside of the project area. He said the Middlesex Crossing project exceeded the boundary limit listed on the application, leading to a violation.

The sequence of construction terms were also violated, which Harrell said is an important part of conservation efforts.

The issues were found after an inspection of the site, which Harrell said typically occurs once in the lifetime of a project, “unless we receive complaints.”